Where Purpose Begins

(Ps. 8:1-6; Heb. 2:8b-10, 14-15)

Many people are seeking a more meaningful life than they are experiencing.

They question why they are here.

They question why an all-powerful God would care about them. (Ps. 8:4)

There is danger in thinking too much of ourselves, or too little.

If we think too much of ourselves, pretty soon we think, "I am not just
created in the image of God. I am God. I will control my own life, & my
own destiny."

If we think too little, we fail to realize how valuable we are to our loving
father and what a blessing we can be for others.

God has a definite plan and purpose for each and all of us. (Jer. 29:11-12; Eph. 1:11;
2:10)

What God has purposed will come to pass (Isa. 14:24)

Jesus said that he was sent for a purpose. (Luke 4:43; 1 John 3:8)

Jeremiah had a purpose (see Jer. 1:5)

Paul had a purpose (Acts 26:16-18; Eph. 3:6-11)

Pharaoh had a purpose (Rom. 9:17)

God’s purposes for us are in line with His timing (Ecc. 3:1 & 17, 8:6)

Each of us has received “gifts” to be used for the edification of the body of
believers (Eph. 4:11-16) and the glory of God.

We were formed by God, in His image, and brought to life with His very breath (Gen.
2:7; Jer. 18:1-6)

We exist and we are His children because He first loved us (Hos. 11:1; Deut. 7:7-
9; 1 John 4:19)

We are His treasured possession (Ex. 19:5-5; 1 Pe. 2:9-10)

God’s purpose for mankind in general is revealed in His word. (Ps. 8:5-6)
God has made us all stewards of His creation. (Ps. 8:6; Heb. 2:8; Lev. 25:23-24)

Gen. 2:15 (“Dress & Keep”)

Dress(abad, Heb.) = Work, Serve, Labor for

Keep (shamar, Heb.) = Keep, Guard, Treasure, Preserve, Protect, Retain,

Save, Watch Over, Celebrate

Jewish prohibition known as bal tashhit, 'do not destroy' is based by the
Rabbis on the biblical injunction not to destroy fruit-bearing trees (Deut.
20: 19), but it is extended by them to include wasting anything that can be
used for the benefit of mankind.

See also Ezek. 34:18, Anti-pollution scripture

Paradise Lost - We have failed to achieve His purpose for us due to sin.

Paradise Regained - But He still intends for us to fulfill that purpose eventually.
(Heb. 2:8, “not yet”)

He can restore us to be what God intended (Col. 2:9; Rom. 5:2)

His was willing to pay the ultimate price to redeem us from our sin (Isa. 53:3-10;
John 3:16)

Do you know what God’s purpose is for your life?

Ask God to help you understand His purpose for you life.

Ask other believers what they believe God may have revealed to them about your
purpose (Prov. 20:18a)

Be willing to conform your life to that purpose. (Obedience = blessing, Rom. 8:28)